13 Reasons Why - Trailer1:58

Based on the best-selling books by Jay Asher, the Netflix Original Series 13 Reasons Why follows Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette) as he returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker his classmate and crush who tragically committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Will Clay be one of them?

Australian actress Katherine Langford stars in the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why.Source:Supplied

A NEW show aimed at teenagers starring an Australian actor is being blasted as the most dangerous program on TV — with mental health advocates warning it glamorises self-harm and could lead to a spate of suicides.

Experts told The Saturday Telegraph they were being flooded with calls from parents and teachers worried about the Netflix show 13 Reasons Why after kids as young as 11 had become “distressed and withdrawn” after watching the popular series.

Australian actress Katherine Langford stars in the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why.Source:Supplied

The show follows the plot of troubled teen Hannah Baker, played by Aussie actor Katherine Langford, who leaves behind a box of audiotapes explaining the “reasons” why she killed herself. Leading youth mental health group Headspace has put out an official warning citing concerns the depiction of suicide and sexual assault was overly graphic.

It said the storyline promoted the idea suicide was a “common sense approach”.

Headspace’s national school support service development manager Kristen Douglas said she’d had calls from primary and high school teachers requesting urgent help.

“There are concerns about the graphic depiction of suicide and sexual assault, but also the message the storyline promotes in terms of suggesting suicide can be a common sense solution,” Ms Douglas said.

“Suicide is something that is very complex that can’t be simplified, and there’s never a linear lists of reasons why ... having her look back on her last moments gives young people the unrealistic idea she’s getting her revenge or having the last laugh.”

Dylan Minnette and Katherine Langford star in the new Netflix series 13 Reasons Why.Source:Supplied

The Netflix series 13 Reasons Why is raising concerns because it glamorises self-harm.Source:Supplied

Ms Douglas said “shock tactics” and gory imagery was not a helpful means of suicide prevention.

“Suicide contagion is very real and is most prevalent for young people,” Ms Douglas said.

Hunter Institute of Mental Health director Jaelea Skehan said she’d had reports of kids as young as 11 becoming distressed by the show.